Pets allowed
Allowed with Restrictions
Guided tours
No
Backcountry camping
Yes
Lodging
No
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

The Sawtooth National Recreation Area (SNRA) is a federally protected area consisting of 756,000 acres of wilderness including the Sawtooth Wilderness, Cecil D. Andrus-White Clouds Wilderness, and the Hemingway-Boulders Wilderness. The area features scenic vistas, over 700 miles of trails, more than 300 alpine lakes, and high mountains, many of which rise over 10,000 feet above sea level. 

MOUNTAINS

There are several scenic mountain ranges within the SNRA including the Sawtooth Mountains, White Cloud Mountains, Boulder Mountains, and Smoky Mountains. 

THINGS TO DO

The Sawtooth NRA is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Popular activities include:

  • Trail running

  • Hiking / Backpacking

  • Fishing

  • Boating / Rafting

  • Nature viewing

  • Photography

POPULAR TRAILS / HIKING AREAS

Visit the USFS website for detailed information on trails and recreation within the Sawtooth Recreation Area: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/sawtooth/recarea/?recid=5842

CAMPING

Camping is a popular activity from around May-September. Within the SNRA you will find plenty of opportunities for campground camping, RV camping, and dispersed camping. For more information please visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/sawtooth/recarea/?recid=5842

Dispersed camping is allowed in the following areas:

  • Cecil D. Andrus-White Clouds Wilderness

  • Hemingway-Boulders Wilderness

  • Salmon River Area

  • Sawtooth Wilderness

  • Stanley Lake & Hwy 21

  • Stanley Lake

  • Wood River Valley Area

MOUNTAIN BIKING

Popular areas for mountain biking in the SNRA include: 

  • Chemeketan Campground - Salmon River Headwaters

  • Mill Lake Trail

  • Prairie Lakes Trail

WINTER SPORTS

The following areas are available for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing:

  • Cecil D. Andrus-White Clouds Wilderness

  • Galena Lodge

  • Hemingway-Boulders Wilderness

  • Redfish Lake Recreation Complex

  • Sawtooth Wilderness

  • Wood River Valley Area

  • Sawtooth NRA Headquarters

MUSEUM

Visit the Sawtooth Interpretative and Historical Association in Stanley, Idaho. 

PERMITS

Permits are required within the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. Permits are free and available at all trailheads. For more information please visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/sawtooth/recarea/?recid=5842

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Sawtooth NRA

 

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Summer

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

None

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Alpine lakes. High peaks. Hiking trails.

Cons

Short hiking season due to weather.

Features

Backcountry camping
Boat ramp(s)
Wildlife
Big vistas
Near lake or river
Bird watching
Wildflowers
Horseback riding
Bicycling

Location

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